Even though I’m more a fan of savory than sweet when cooking, delicious summer fruit always inspires me towards desserts in the kitchen. 
A couple of years ago I impulsively bought an electric ice cream maker. I had nostalgic visions of my mom and dad setting up the manual crank/dry ice version in the back yard during the summers. It sure made a tasty dessert for 4th of July barbecues. I hoped that this ice cream maker would do those memories justice, without all that work. Since I’m not really an ice cream eater, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve actually used the machine. It does make good ice cream though so I thought why not try making some strawberry ice cream.
The ingredients are very simple…
1.5 pints strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sugar (divided 1/3 and 2/3)
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp vanilla
1. Put the strawberries in a small bowl. Add lemon juice and 1/3 cup of sugar, stir together until sugar is dissolved, and let sit for about 2 hours.
2. Separate strawberries from syrup, but don’t discard either.
3. In a larger bowl, whisk together the milk and remaining 2/3 cup of sugar for about 2 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Then add the cream, vanilla, and some of the strawberry syrup. I just eyeballed it, maybe 2 tbsp. Whisk together until combined.
4. Place the ice cream maker’s freezer bowl into the machine and turn the machine on. Pour the milk mixture into the bowl and let it run for about 25 minutes, or until ice cream begins to set up.
5. After about 25 minutes (or when there are about 5 minutes left before ice cream is finished) add the strawberries to the mixture. Let run until ice cream is at desired thickness and texture.
6. The ice cream can be eaten at that time, but its consistency is more like a soft serve. Instead, I poured the ice cream in a freezer safe container and put it in the freezer for a few hours because I prefer it a little more frozen.
It turned out delicious. What a great treat for the summer!
Happy 4th of July!
Looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteI hear vanilla-pod seeds are excellent in that type of concoction. Don't know exactly why they are better than the essence. Might just be a difference as distinct from an improvement. But I'll never know since that would flatten me these days.
Dear Lordy but this year is flying by. I thought it was yesterday I commented about the end of June, and there is two days gone in between. Feck this for a game of soldiers, we'll have to up the doings in order to feel we've a had a worthwhile year.
Yes I saw that on a cooking show once. It sounds like a great idea, but I've never thought to look for one at the store. Out of sight I guess. You're not kidding on the time. I've already been on vacation almost a week. I'm not quite sure why it doesn't go this fast when I'm working. :). But seriously it does seem like the new year was just a few days ago. How can the year be half over already!?!?
DeleteLook at you, all domestic and stuff. Good for you! And really, that does look really good.
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th!
m.
I know right! I can be if I try. :) It was delish. You should by an ice cream maker and make it for your kids. They'd love it!
DeleteIt looks wonderful! We also have an electric ice cream maker and I love to toss in blueberries- whole- and they end up frozen little bits of goodness :)
ReplyDeleteWe also have a 70 year old crank ice cream maker that was used on the family farm...but we don't use that one.
Blueberry sounds great. I was also thinking about trying it with the white peaches that are just coming into season. I also need to try making it with something other than whole milk and heavy cream. It's fine for a special occasion but deadly every day. I'll have to research that.
DeleteYes! That old crank machine brings back fond memories. I remember as a kid being excited at first and then pretty tired of turning that crank. We all took turns. Now? It just plugs in.
Way to make my mouth water. Those strawberries look like they are at the peak of perfection.
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th!
The strawberries were perfect. I think they are nearing the end of their season so I got them just in time. Next up is stone fruit which is my fave. Hope you had a great day!
DeleteI just bought a Panini grill and used that for my hot dogs yesterday, Our chili dogs were very good. I have been looking at the ice cream makers for a while now, but did not have the room for either in my old kitchen. I believe I will pick one up this summer too and try some of the low fat, less sugar recipes that are out there. Your ice cream looked scrumptious.
ReplyDeleteI'm a sucker for all small kitchen appliances/ gadgets, but I think my panini press is my favorite. You're going to love it. I use mine all the time.
DeleteIt that what used to be called a Toasted Sandwich Maker.
DeleteThis is what I have...
Deletehttp://www.chefsresource.com/cuisinart-panini-sandwich-press.html
It's like a grill on both sides and smooshes everything in. Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella is my favorite. I like that it makes the outside really crispy and toasted but without using butter or oil.
HA if you had a big family or a class you could find a use for my George Foreman. Used ten time in total !!!!.
DeleteI've heard a lot of people say that about the GF.
Deleteyum. I just made some pistachio ice cream last week..
ReplyDeleteOh that's another great flavor. So many options but way too much heavy cream. I'll need to research some alternatives.
DeleteKimberly, I bought an ice cream maker yesterday, marked down because end of season???? I can't wait to try this. BTW if you click the Totem link in my post it leads to another link all about him.
ReplyDeleteOh yay! You're going to enjoy it this summer.
DeleteOh yay! You're going to enjoy it this summer.
Delete